New Survey Reveals What Drives Houstonians’ Online Shopping Habits: Convenience and Speed Are King

E-commerce is reshaping consumer behavior as nearly half of Houstonians now buy everything, including Alcohol, Vapes, and Nicotine Pouches, Online

A new survey commissioned by Nicokick.com, the leading U.S. online retailer of nicotine pouches, reveals the growing dependency Houstonians have on online shopping in 2025. The results highlight a strong trend toward digital convenience thanks to fast delivery, product access and range as well as increasing comfort, especially when purchasing vice products— 46% of Houstonians say they have purchased vice products online, including alcohol (28%), vapes (18%), CBD products (16%), and nicotine pouches (10%).

According to the survey of 500 Houstonians over the age of 21 conducted by Censuswide, 34% say they now do most or all of their shopping online, a trend primarily driven by residents in neighborhoods like the Galleria/Uptown and Pearland. Meanwhile, same-day and next-day delivery expectations are becoming the norm, with 29% of respondents saying they always use express delivery and 22% unwilling to shop from businesses that can’t deliver by the next day.

“There’s a real digital migration happening—not just for everyday essentials but for products traditionally seen as offline only,” said Sarah Krysalka, Senior Director of Commercial Partnerships US at Nicokick.com. “Our mission is to stay ahead of the evolving needs of adult consumers, and the fact that nearly one in ten Houstonians already buy nicotine pouches online is a clear signal that trust, access, and speed are redefining the marketplace. Nicokick prides itself on being a responsible retailer, as we recognize ecommerce offers a unique advantage when selling regulated products--the ability to age verify every single transaction while delivering a quality customer experience.”

The survey reveals that “convenience” is the top motivator for shopping online, cited by 37%, followed by saving time (16%) and saving money (13%). Men slightly edge out women in prioritizing convenience, and lower-income individuals are more likely to focus on cost savings.

The report also sheds light on local trends:

• Residents of the Galleria/Uptown neighborhood shop the most online, with 57% reporting they do all or most of their shopping online. 46% of residents in the Memorial/Energy Corridor, Pearland, and West U/Bellaire neighborhoods shop online, while the most in-store shoppers live in the Woodlands.
• 58% of Houstonians use same-day or next-day delivery services regularly, especially residents in the Inner Loop and men aged 35-44.
• Vice product interest is highest among 25–44-year-olds, with 58% saying they’ve made online purchases in this category. Montrose, Inner Loop, and the Galleria/Uptown neighborhoods lead the city in online vice purchases.

“These findings aren’t just statistics —they are strong indicators that businesses need to evolve,” noted Krysalka. “Today’s adult consumers demand more than just a basic online presence. They expect seamless logistics, trustworthy service, and fast delivery—especially when it comes to regulated products. Meeting these standards isn't optional, it’s the new standard we are committed to providing our adult consumers.”

The online retailer recently launched its next-day delivery service in the Houston metropolitan market. Visit Nicokick.com for more details.

About Nicokick:

Nicokick is a leading online retailer in the U.S. specializing in nicotine pouches. With a diverse inventory of over 200 unique products, the platform offers a wide selection of popular and emerging brands that provide adult consumers with modern oral smoke-free alternatives to cigarettes and other traditional tobacco products. All products undergo rigorous testing to ensure reliability and quality and are delivered directly to adult consumers' doorsteps or mailboxes, with a strict age verification process in place to maintain compliance. For more information, visit Nicokick.com.

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